A free female-only gym is helping women to exercise safely and comfortably in Cardiff.

Based in the Grangetown Boys and Girls Club, tucked away in Earl Lane, the gym was founded by personal trainer Shaunna Driscoll in August last year.

Open four days a week and offering fitness classes it relies on vital funding from Community Foundation Wales to remain up and running. It has so far attracted 40 members – of a range of ages, races, and cultures – and encourages more to join

Members so far include those who cannot attend mixed gyms for religious or cultural reasons as well as those who simply want to work out in an inclusive, secure space free from unwanted attention, stares, intimidation, and harassment.

While Shaunna thinks everyone should be able to exercise outdoors free from harm she believes there is a “long way to go for females”.

“But I think having things like female-only fitness and providing that space is a start,” said the 28-year-old, who is also a lecturer.

he continued: “There are not many safe spaces for women. I feel like especially with the women that come to our gym I think it’s a common theme that they don’t feel safe anywhere else.

“They only really feel safe at home but then they lack that motivation and they don’t have that support of other like-minded women in their home so our space is perfect for them.”

Shaunna’s decision to set up the gym and help other women was borne from her own struggles during lockdown.

She has always been into training but suffered with depression and anxiety during the pandemic and “didn’t go to the gym once”.

Becoming a personal trainer, launching the gym, and combining her teaching ability with her passion for fitness has helped to improve her own wellbeing.

“I thought: ‘This is my way to get back into my own fitness to help my own mental health’ – by helping other people,” she said.

“I know how many women out there don’t have the confidence to go to gyms or do not necessarily know what they’re doing.

“Being a fitness instructor, being into fitness, and having the knowledge I just thought it would be a really good idea to put that out there to other women.

“And not only that but also make it a little bit more special with having it directed at culturally-bound women as well so they’re able to be in the gym and able to gain fitness and improve their health while still being able to adhere to their culture and religion.”

She continued: “There’s nothing more inspiring or empowering to see other women and meet their goals and have that sense of pride in themselves as well.

“I think that’s the main thing that has got me out of my dark place – being able to watch other women succeed in life.”

In addition to it being a safe and comfortable space Shaunna says some women were attracted by the affordability of the gym.